Maldives Immigration has issued notices to 273 foreigners with incomplete visas following a recent operation aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the Greater Male' Region.
On August 28, Immigration conducted a two-hour operation covering 582 locations, interrogating 1,025 expatriates. The operation, involving 211 officers organised into 52 teams, led to the issuance of notices to individuals lacking proper visas. Additionally, guidance was provided to 120 Maldivians employing expatriates illegally. Ten immigrants who were reportedly hiding in the Maldives were also apprehended.
This operation is part of a broader initiative, Operation Kurangi, launched by the government to address illegal immigration. The nationwide programme seeks information on foreigners residing in inhabitant islands, tourist resorts, industrial islands, and agricultural zones. It includes biometric identification procedures to target undocumented immigrants and facilitate their deportation through coordination with relevant embassies. The government aims to resolve the issue of illegal immigration completely within three years.